The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15) is a funding initiative aimed at supporting small-scale research projects at undergraduate-focused institutions. This program seeks to enhance the research environment at these institutions, engage undergraduate students in significant biomedical research experiences, and provide faculty members with opportunities to conduct meritorious research.

Eligible institutions must be accredited public or nonprofit private colleges or universities with undergraduate enrollment exceeding graduate enrollment. These institutions must have received no more than $6 million annually in NIH funding (excluding certain activity codes) during four of the past seven fiscal years. The program does not include health professional schools, and participating students must primarily be undergraduates from the applicant institution.

The funding is available for investigator-initiated mechanistic and/or minimal-risk clinical trials that align with the missions of participating NIH institutes. Projects may include hypothesis-driven clinical studies, provided they do not require FDA oversight, involve low physical or psychological risks, and aim to gather preliminary scientific data rather than establish efficacy or standard-of-care changes. The maximum award budget is $375,000 in direct costs for up to three years.

Applications must emphasize the engagement of undergraduate students in all aspects of the research process, including experiment design, data collection, and dissemination of results. While the program does not provide stipends for undergraduates, it encourages fair compensation for their participation and contributions. Training plans are not a focus of this program; the primary emphasis is on hands-on research involvement.

To apply, institutions must provide a letter from a provost or similar official verifying eligibility. Applications must be submitted electronically through NIH systems, adhering strictly to the guidelines provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Proposals must include descriptions of the institution's research environment, plans for involving undergraduate students, and strategies for fostering a safe and inclusive research setting.

Applications will be evaluated based on scientific merit, potential impact on the research field, involvement of undergraduate students, and alignment with AREA program goals. Peer review will include considerations of significance, innovation, approach, and institutional environment. Successful projects are expected to yield rigorous, reproducible findings and contribute to the development of undergraduate researchers' skills and careers.

The next application deadline is February 25, 2025, with subsequent deadlines on June 25 and October 25 of each year. Applicants are encouraged to contact NIH program staff for guidance and to confirm alignment with institute-specific research priorities. For detailed instructions, eligibility requirements, and submission procedures, applicants should refer to the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) document and related resources.